A Leucistic lapwing has been spotted regularly each winter on Wallasea Island for several years. This may sound like it has a nasty disease, but a leucistic bird is one with abnormal plumage. Now most of us differentiate one bird from another by the colour of its feathers, so this can pose Bad Birdwatchers like me a few problems!
Leucism, or leukism, is a genetic mutation that prevents pigment, particularly melanin, from being properly deposited on a bird’s feathers. As a result, the birds do not have the normal, classic plumage colors listed in field guides, and instead the plumage have several color changes, including:
Albinism is another genetic condition that can turn a bird’s plumage pale, but in this case the eyes, skin, legs, feet and bill are also pale in colour. Leucistic birds have normal skin colouring and their plumage shade can vary. For instance, for several seasons a few years ago in Rathlin Island, an RSPB reserve off the County Antrim coast, visitors were thrilled by the sight of a 'Golden Puffin' which sat on the cliffs among the razorbills and guillemots because its fellow dark puffins did not accept it! Its plumage was a pale buff colour, but it was otherwise a normal, and very cute little puffin.
Although birdwatchers may identify the bird by its call, habitat or behaviour, this distinctive plumage can cause real problems. The bird is often easier to spot by predators, without protective camouflage, and they may have trouble attracting a strong, healthy mate without the attractive courtship colours. While it may be exciting for us to see one of these unusual creatures, it is unfortunately at a disadvantage and will suffer at nature's cruel hand.
I've gone wild on Wallasea!